Keefe juggles around the forward groups ahead of Wednesday's game against the Flyers
After a horrific road trip and a day off yesterday, the Toronto Maple Leafs were back on the ice today for practice. With the team struggling, Sheldon Keefe went back to some familiar forward lines. Auston Matthews is still centering the top line between Michael Bunting and Mitch Marner. Meanwhile, John Tavares is in his usual spot, centering the team's second line between William Nylander and Alexander Kerfoot.
The third line will get a new look in the likes of the recently called up 23-year-old Pontus Holmberg, who will play between Pierre Engvall and Calle Jarnkrok. Holmberg was originally drafted in the 6th round (156th overall) of the 2018 NHL entry draft. After he was drafted, he remained in Sweden until joining the Marlies late last season. He has played seven games this season for the Toronto Marlies, registering two assists. He plays a solid two-way game with excellent pace and plays with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
The fourth line has a different look as well. David Kampf skated between fellow defensive specialist Zach Aston-Reese and the more offensive-minded Denis Malgin. Malgin scored a goal and recorded three shots on goal during Sundays game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Heading into this season, many hoped the Leafs' new acquisitions would establish an identity for the team in the bottom six of the lineup. So far this year, that has not been the case. So it is not surprising to see a new look. Tomorrow night against the Flyers, we will see if this new configuration will be able to stick.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 247 ANSWERS Keefe juggles around the forward groups ahead of Wednesday's game against the Flyers Who will win Wednesday's game betwee the Leafs and Flyers? | ||
| Leafs | 137 | 55.5 % |
| Flyers | 110 | 44.5 % |
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